Tyson Stubbings, the young attacker plucked out of the under-21s, then had a great opportunity to restore parity and make his mark on the Boro first team.

But instead of pulling the trigger when the chance arrived, he opted to try and beat his man and the opportunity evaporated.

Things soon got worse for the hosts on the half-hour, as Cables doubled their lead with only their second shot on target.

Staunton-Turner was given far too much space in the area after cutting in from the right, and the midfielder comfortably rolled the ball past Draper and into the net.

This goal was always going to be a bridge too far for a goal-shy Boro, who had managed just four in their last six league outings.

Kittrick's men did create the odd opening after the break, but, with confidence zapped from their play, a flood of goals was never a possible outcome.

Instead, keeper Draper had to be at his best to deny Phil Bannister. Though the Prescot man did add to the lead after 69 minutes, when his driven shot from 25 yards flew in off the underside of Nathan Peat's boot.

By that point Boro had thrown on Tom Corner and Lleches-Parra, who added a little more urgency to the attack.

Blott volleyed wide and Lleches-Parra had a shot saved in the last 10 minutes, before Lee did manage to put the ball in the net, but his joy was immediately crushed by the flag of the linesman.